INSPIRATION

One of the highlights of the 2017 South East House and Home Show was the launch of the innovative HIghTower Painting Tripod System. The product impressed industry experts and show visitors alike; its ingenious telescopic rail reduces the need to carry a bucket up and down a ladder, reducing your risk of accident or injury.

With that in mind, in advance of their return to the South East House and Home Show in September, HighTower has put together some tips for ladder safety when undertaking any DYI or painting job.

By HighTower

Health and Safety is something we pride ourselves on at HighTower. In the development of the HighTower Painting Tripod System a person’s safety on a ladder was at the forefront. We want the DIY’er at home to be safe when painting on a ladder and we feel that the HighTower Painting Tripod System maximises safety.

According to the Health and Safety Authority of Ireland, the main reasons for accidents on ladders are:

overreaching

overloading

not maintaining three points of contact

poor positioning of ladder

not securing the ladder

Of all the injuries that occur from home and leisure accidents in Europe, 3% of these are caused by DIY accidents, according to the European Association for Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion. From research done by the IBD Hospital for Europe, (on treated patients), ladders are the most dangerous utensils and appliances during DIY work. They are even ahead of angle grinders.

Prof Keith Willett, NHS England’s director for acute care, said:

THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO COME THROUGH THE A&E DOOR WITH DIY, LEISURE AND GARDENING INJURIES IS STRIKING. WORKING AS A TRAUMA SURGEON FOR OVER 30 YEARS, IT HAS BEEN FRUSTRATING TO SEE HOW MANY PEOPLE COME TO A&E WITH INJURIES THAT COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED WITH A BIT MORE CARE.

HERE ARE OUR TOP TIPS FOR SAFETY ON A LADDER:

Always face the ladder and keep both feet and at least one hand on it while mounting and dismounting.

Where necessary, lean your ladder against a firm wall and ensure it is well supported

Place a ladder on sturdy and solid ground where it will not rock from side to side

Keep your hands free while climbing the ladder

Keep 3 points of contact on a ladder when possible

Before every use, visually check the ladder for any signs of wear and tear, defects, and loose or missing parts that could compromise its safety

Check the anti-slip grips on the feet are still fully intact

The HighTower Painting Tripod ensures that you don’t overload your ladder. Everything you need for your paint job can be stored on the tripod and raised to the desired height for the job. This allows for both hands to be free when climbing on or off the ladder. This maximises your three point contact on the ladder and instantly increases your safety while working on a ladder, especially in those hard to reach areas.

If you have any questions regarding the tripod system, don’t hesitate to get in touch through our online contact form and a member of our team will respond as soon as possible.